best bio bay tour vieques

The Pirate Bio Bay Tours 

787-436-6082

Vieques Puerto Rico

Locally owned and operated tour guide company.

We know Vieques better!

Allow us to introduce you to the magical sight of our bioluminescent bay in our clear kayaks, and with our knowledgable and fun tour guides 

A once in a lifetime  experience

Vieques has the brightest bio bay in the world! Our clear kayaks make your time in the bay just magical. 

We limit our tours, which makes it more open for conversation and enjoyment.

Bio Bay Kayak Tour

Experience our nighttime  Bioluminescent Bay tour in our clear kayaks, with our educational and super fun guides.

Surround yourself with the magic!

to book your chosen date and time for the Bio Bay Tour, click the link below

Snorkel tour.

Guided Snorkel Tours to the best spots in  Vieques . Imagine  the possibility of marking that

"swim with  turtles" off of your bucket list! 

for more information on our Snorkel Tours, click the link below, or contact us at 787-671-3862

[email protected]

• La Parguera
• Moon Calendar

Bio Bay Tours in Vieques

You are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, lucky you! Furthermore, you have enough time to reach Vieques and enjoy the most bioluminescent bio bay on earth , what a chance! In order to help you decide which tour is best for you, here are three companies offering guided tours to Mosquito Bay.

Abe’s Snorkeling & Bio Bay Tours

Abe aka “The Pirate” is the name of a local islander raised in St. Croix. For more than 20 years now his company is offering bio bay tours in Vieques. Going on this tour you will learn about local ecology while having a great time paddling. Their classic tour starts from 45$ for kids to 60$ for adults above 12. They can also take groups for a private tour.

PRO: Special prices for kids CONS: Not the cheapest

Melaya’s Bio Bay Tour in Vieques

This bio bay tour has been created in 2014 by a native Viequense. Offering a more intimate tour with fewer people. For a better personal experience, you will paddle clear bottom kayaks. Their classic bio bay tour starts at 65$ per person, up to 650$ if you go for a private tour with 12 guests.

PRO: Clear bottom kayak, Group of 12 at maximum CONS: Not the cheapest

Aqua Sunset Bio Bay Tour

This company is doing its best to give you a unique experience on Mosquito Bay. For the three departure times, the pick-up starts opposite of El Block Hotel. Enjoy their clear bottom kayaks and less rushed experience with many details of the surrounding ecosystem. Their classic bio bay tour starts at 65$ per adult, down to 55$ for kids from 5 to 12 years old.

PRO: Clear bottom kayaks, Three different departure times CONS: No special price for groups

​ Full Transparent Kayak

Bio Bay Tours on Vieques Island on a Full Transparent Kayak

Come enjoy the World's brightest Bioluminescent Bay,in our Transparent Kayaks an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

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Vieques bioluminescent bay boat cruises.

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Biobay Boat Tour in Vieques

Take in the beauty of bioluminescence in the stunning city of Vieques in Puerto Rico. Add this biobay boat tour as the highlight to your Puerto Rico vacation. Book your bioluminescence bay tour online today!

Biobay Kayak Experience in Mosquito Bay

Experience the Great Outdoors!

How to Visit the Bioluminescent Bay in Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico

Most things that sound too good to be true usually are. When we first heard about the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, we weren’t sure what to expect. The whole concept sounded unreal. A glowing bay? What makes it glow? Is it radio active or something? Is it really as bright as it is in the pictures?

While most people who visit Puerto Rico tend to stick around San Juan, we’ve found that most opportunities for adventure happen outside of the the capital. Keep reading to find out how you can experience this magical place too.

THE BIO BAY AT MOSQUITO BAY IN VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO IS A TRULY INCREDIBLE SIGHT TO SEE.

Vieques and Mosquito Bay

Vieques, also known as “Isla Nena” (Little Girl Island) is just east of the main island of Puerto. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches, wild horses, and the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

As it turns out, Mosquito bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico is the brightest bio bay in the world. And there are three bio bays on the island, but only a five more in the whole world. We took a tour with Bieque Ecotrips to get a closer look at this natural phenomenon.

The name “Mosquito Bay” comes from the sea of bloodthirsty insects surrounding the bay. But it’s nothing that a long-sleeve shirt can’t protect you from. Resist covering yourself in bug spray so that we can protect and enjoy this place for years to come.

Once we were in the water we didn’t see much at first, but as we got a little further into the bay we saw it. A neon-blue flash of light surrounding the oars as we paddled along.

When we looked a little closer we could see thousands of tiny organisms giving off light when moved. These are dinoflagellates, and they’re so small that three of them can fit on the tip of a needle. They luminescence with movement like tiny lightening bugs in water.

It takes a special combination of factors for these organisms to thrive, and Mosquito Bay has them all: Reg mangrove trees, cool water, and a small opening to the ocean.

In fact, when the Spanish discovered this area, they thought the glowing water was the work of El diablo and tried to cut off the bay from the ocean by making the opening even smaller. But this only trapped more of these tiny creatures and made the bio bay brighter.

How to Get to Vieques

By uber and ferry.

IMPORTANT: Our trip was before hurricane Maria! All the old ferries from Fajardo now run through Ceiba .

We took an Uber from Carolina (near San Juan) to Fajardo where we awaited the ferry to Vieques. Ubers are readily available through the San Juan area, and the one-way trip cost us $50.58 before tip. You could take a taxi, but why pay more?

At the Fajardo Ferry Terminal we paid $2 each for a one way ticket to Vieques. The ride itself takes about 45-minutes. Click here for ferry schedules .

Another option for getting to Vieques is to fly there from San Juan. This might be a better option for you if you’re traveling solo. Cape Air has daily flights to Vieques and Culebra island . We met up with our friend Jen from Jen on a Jetplane in Vieques, and she opted to fly because she’s awesome at finding super cheap flights.

Vieques Transportation

From the vieques ferry terminal.

Once in Vieques you’ll see a swath of vans and van drivers waiting to transport new arrivals to their final destinations near the ferry terminal. We hopped in a van with a couple who just so happened to be visiting from my hometown in Minnesota (weird, right?). The van driver took us straight to the hotel where we all happened to be staying at as well. It’s a small world after-all.

From the Vieques Airport

Much like the at the Ferry Terminal, you can find van drivers and taxis awaiting new arrivals outside of the airport. Here you’ll find some Vieques taxi contact information if you’d like to setup your ride before your arrival.

Where to Stay

We stayed a cozy guesthouse called Villa Coral . We stayed there because our friend Jen had booked her room there already, but we were really satisfied with how helpful the staff was there and how comfortable the rooms are. Airbnb is usually our go-to when looking for accommodations, but if you want a comfy place to stay with a shared second floor balcony and chilled out rooftop, check out Villa Coral!

Bio Bays in the World

• Number of Bio Bays

Did you know there are only five bio bays in the world? And three of them are in Puerto Rico. You can find them in Laguna Grande in the north-east in Fajardo, La Parguera, and at Mosquito Bay in Vieques.

Booking a Bio Bay Tour

There are multiple tour companies that will show you the Bio Bay. We went with Bieque Eco Trips . They have clear-bottomed kayaks to give you that extra level of coolness while yours paddling your way through the brightest Bio Bay on the planet. Here’s the contact info for a number of different bio bay tour companies:

• Bieque Eco-Trips – (787) 922-2701
• Melaya’s Tours – (787) 222-7055
• Abe’s Biobay Kayak Tour – (787) 741-2134
• Taino Aqua Adventures – (787) 349-6964
• Island Adventures – (787) 741-0720 (boat tour)
• Jak Water Sports – (787) 644-7112
• Vieques Adventure Company – (787) 692-9162

Bio Bay Tours generally cost $45-60 USD per person.

When to See the Bioluminescence

In order to truly appreciate this natural phenomenon you have to see it when it’s pitch-black out. Unless you have a very special camera for nighttime photography, you can forget about capturing the bioluminescence on film. In fact, most bio bay ads you see online include some super fake photoshopped photos for this very reason. Cameras just can’t do it justice. So make sure you plan your trip for a night when there is a new moon, or at least within a day or two of a new moon to see the glow in all it’s glory. This resource here will help you do just that.

How to Photograph the Biobay

“But Jim, you just said to forget about photographing it.” Yes, I did. But I’m stubborn and went well out of my way risking thousands of dollars of camera equipment to the murky waters of the bio bay to show you what it kind of looks like. Nobody tells Jim Fricker what he can or cannot do. 😅

So, if you want to the same and try to get a photo or video of the bioluminescent bay, you’re going to need a special camera, a lot of will power, and some patience. This is not a tutorial for beginners. If you don’t understand the terms like “ISO” or “fast lens” you might want to hold off on attempting this until you have a bit more experience. Here’s the quick version of how to photograph the bio bay.

Photography

Most cameras that have manual settings can pull this off. You’ll just be limited to using a tripod on the side of the bay and hope that it’s either raining (the bay lights up like crazy when it rains according to our guide) or that you have a good zoom lens and can see people on a tour kayaking. Of course you’re going to get a ton of blur because of the long exposure you’ll need to see anything. But with some luck and patience, you can get a blurry glimpse of what the glow looks like to show your friends.

Video of the Bio Bay

Sony a7S II ILCE7SM2/B 12.2 MP E-mount Camera with Full-Frame Sensor, Black

To capture video of the bay, you’re going to need the best low-light camera you can find and afford to pull this off. And probably some decent equipment insurance since you’ll be using the camera in a kayak at night. When we went to the bio bay the best camera available for this job was the Sony A7s II .

You’re going to want to couple this the fastest lens you can afford and get ready to crank the ISO all the way up to 409600 (or possibly higher if you are reading this years after publication and the Sony A7s IV or something is out.) Will it be noisy? Yes. Will it be worth it? Maybe.

Shoot in 4k so you can do some stabilization in post and hopefully have some semi-stable footage when you export to 1080p. When kayaking, focus on your hand when it’s just touching the water, then hit record.

With any luck, you’ll have not fallen into the water with all of your camera gear, and have captured the bioluminescence. Now de-noise that footage to the best of your ability using Neat Video or something similar. And ta dah! You now hopefully have some decent footage of the bio bay. Not a very common thing to have in 2019.

Further Reading

We went on this tour with our friend Jen from Jen on a Jet Plane. Learn more about this incredible place on her blog here !

You might also be interested in:

• Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico
• Understanding Puerto Rican Spanish
• 7 Tips for Renting a Car Abroad

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How to Visit Mosquito Bay, the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico

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Thinking about visiting the Vieques bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico?

You should — it’s well worth the trip. Vieques is a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico that is comparatively untouched and offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of San Juan, the first stop for most tourists visiting Puerto Rico.

The Vieques Bio Bay, also known as Mosquito Bay, is a bucket list destination.

There are only five bioluminescent bays around the world, with Vieques’ being the brightest and most magical.

In recent years, preservation efforts have been kicked up a notch since tourism was affecting the sensitive makeup of the water.

Today, it’s beautifully restored and visitors can do their part to make sure it stays that way.

If you’re able to fit it in to your schedule, I highly recommend a visit.

Note that seeing the BioBay in its full splendor requires an overnight trip.

You can visit it during the day, but you won’t see it light up.

This means you’ll need to stay at least one night in Vieques since ferries or planes won’t be running by the time you’re finished.

Here’s everything you need to know to visit Vieques’ bioluminescent bay.

RELATED POST: VISITING CUEVA DEL INDIO ON A DAY TRIP FROM SAN JUAN

Where to see bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico

There are actually  three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.

Can you believe it? Five in the whole world and three of those are in Puerto Rico!

If that’s not reason enough to book your next trip to the  Isla de Encanto , I don’t know what is. The two other locations are Jamaica and Vietnam.

Of the three in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the largest and most impressive.

Those who aren’t able to make their way over to Vieques, however, can also find bio bays in Fajardo (Laguna Grande) and Lajas (La Parguera).

The bioluminescent bay in Lajas is the only one that allows swimming.

If snorkeling in the glowing waters sounds appealing to you, you can head there but be aware that chemicals on your skin, from sunscreen to lotion, all affect the fragile ecosystem and composition of the water.

For those reasons, the bio bay in Lajas is the least bright of the three and may not even glow for much longer.

RELATED POST: IS PUERTO RICO SAFE?

What makes the bays glow?

The glowing phenomenon is caused by single-celled microorganisms called dinoflagellates.

These organisms glow whenever they are touched or disturbed in any way.

There are billions of them in the water, with the number of organisms having a directly correlation to how brightly the bay will shine.

Through photosynthesis, the dinoflagallates capture light with their chlorophyll, which has a blue-green hue.

The chlorophyll them becomes luminescent when agitated.

While you cannot see the individual organisms with the naked eye, the presence of billions of dinoflagallates in one place give the water a bright, blue-green glow.

RELATED POST: THINGS TO DO IN CULEBRA

How to get to Vieques from Puerto Rico

You can get to Vieques in one of two ways — fly or take the ferry.

I recommend flying for ease of transport. It’s a 25 minute flight on a small propeller plane out of San Juan International Airport (SJU) and if you book far enough in advance the prices are very reasonable, usually less than $50 each way.

You can also fly from San Juan’s Isla Grande Airport (SIG) for a little less.

Airlines that have flights to Vieques include JetBlue, Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines. Flights leave multiple times a day.

In the alternative, you can take a ferry from Fajardo or Ceiba.

Note, the ferry is touch and go. Locals get priority and the schedule can fluctuate, so you’d need to get there first thing in the morning and hope you maybe willl be allowed on, if it’s running at all.

The ferry itself takes about 45 minutes and costs less than $5 roundtrip. However, the port is about an hour’s drive from San Juan if you have your own vehicle and can take up to 4 hours on shared transport.

Taking a taxi to the ferry port is an option but will run you about $100 so you’re better off paying for the flight at that point and saving yourself the trouble.

RELATED POST: 12 FUN THINGS TO DO IN VIEQUES

Best bio bay tour in Vieques

I went on a glass bottom kayaking tour with Bieque Eco Trips and had a phenomenal experience.

They picked me up from a meeting point in Vieques city center and took us to the beach where we would embark on our late-night kayaking adventure.

Almost all of the tours will pick you up from the same place — the Malecon — across from the El Blok Hotel. It’s convenient to stay in the area. 

You leave when it’s pitch black as that’s when the bioluminescence is best seen.

They had glass bottom boats so we could see the organisms light up as the kayaks passed through the water.

It was like rowing through the stars.

We could also reach down into the water and touch the organisms, which lit up our hands.

Our guide gave us background about the surrounding environment, showing us the mangrove forest immediately adjacent to the water.

The highlight of our tour was when he began stood on the kayak and rocked it from side to side, causing a rippling effect of color amongst the dark waters.

RELATED POST: FINDING PINK LAKES IN CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO 

Know before you go

Did you see the wishy-washy dance at the 2:15 mark? Incredible.

You need special equipment to capture the bioluminescence. It will not show up on your iPhone.

I went with my friends Jim and May from Spanish and Go, professional videographers committed to getting footage of the scene.

They came with enough equipment to shoot their own Netflix documentary.

In the event of capsizing, Jim made sure to note that he would be going down while holding the equipment up for someone to rescue. 

Don’t worry, the odds of you going overboard are slim to none if you follow directions.

Their effort was well worth it, check out their video above! As you can see, the glow is alive and well in Mosquito Bay. This footage is from August 2017.

Some other things to note — I did not get wet in the kayak and felt safe with our guides.

It is not recommended that you attempt to visit the Bio Bay on your own. The road there is perilous, windy and thin and doesn’t have any sort of street lights to help you see.

Most importantly, you should  plan your visit during a new moon and not a full moon because the light from the moon dims out the organisms.

I’ve read reviews from people who were disappointed it didn’t shine as brightly as they’d hoped — these people didn’t plan accordingly.

Aim for 2-3 days on either side of the new moon for the best viewing. You can access a lunar calendar here if you’re unsure if the new moon will coincide with your visit.

Till next time, safe travels!

RELATED POST: BEST RESTAURANTS IN VIEQUES

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Liked this post? Pin me below:

Michelle Rice

Saturday 19th of March 2022

Add another to the list of bioluminescence - Maldives - Mudhdhoo Island - the new moon bioluminescence. Thank you for the informative article!

Sunday 6th of September 2020

This was such a helpful read — thank you for sharing! For the tour you chose, what time does the tour group meet/leave for the beach? I want to make sure I arrive to the island with enough time to catch a tour!

Jen on a Jet Plane

I recall it being around 6-7pm so I would take an afternoon flight at the latest, like 1-3pm or otherwise try for the ferry super early in the morning. So glad you found the post helpful!

Richard B Turnbow

Sunday 12th of January 2020

How did you get around on the island and did you stay the night before and the rest of the night after the tour? or only one night? How did you get from the kayak tour back to your accommodations?

You will need to stay overnight as neither ferries or planes will be departing from the island after the tour is finished, late at night. I stayed two nights but you can do it with one. I also stayed near the Malecon, which was the meeting area for the shuttle to and from the kayaking experience, included in the price of the tour. I walked to the Malecon, otherwise I used a taxi to get to and from the hotel and the airport.

Christia Candler

Friday 22nd of November 2019

I really loved that one, because it is full of fascinating facts and it is a kind of easygoing article. I spent only a few minutes studying, and due to well-structured text, so I know it totally.

Saturday 17th of August 2019

Your blog has been so helpful for me as I plan my trip to PR in September! How much did it cost you to do the BioBay tour with the company you chose? Their website doesn't list any prices?

Wednesday 21st of August 2019

It was around $50, you can call them at 787-922-2701 to confirm. Bring cash for a tip and remember to plan for the weekend with the least ambient lighting (new moon). It's a bucket list experience, you'll never forget it!

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13 Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay Tour in Puerto Rico

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

I sat silently in my kayak, one hand swirling the water outside the boat. With each gentle swish, a miniature constellation of underwater “stars” twinkled around my fingers. In the kayak beside me, a woman spun her paddle in the water and gasped at the tiny explosion of light. Ahead of me, the comet-like streak of green in the water indicated a fish swimming near the surface. That’s the magic of Bio Bay tours.

I’d come to Isla de Vieques, off Puerto Rico’s main island on a kayaktrip in its world-famous bioluminescent bay. The experience was everything I’d hoped for — a stroke of luck, given how poorly I’d arranged my trip. Getting the most out of a bio bay tour requires a lot of advance planning, and, in the case of Vieques, more cash than you might expect.

Here’s what I wish I knew before making the trip.

13 Things I Wish Somebody Told Me Before Taking the Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay Tour in Puerto Rico

1. bioluminescence is surprisingly common.

Much like fireflies do on land, single-celled, water surface–dwelling organisms called dinoflagellates, a type of plankton, can emit light underwater. They aren’t the only marine organisms that glow. Some 1,500 species of fish are known to luminesce, as well as certain types of squid, jellyfish, worms, and crustaceans. Many use bioluminescence as lures for food or mates, or to confuse predators.

Although dinoflagellates are microscopic, they often form large colonies. The human eye doesn’t detect the bioluminescence when a water body is still. But when disturbed, such as by wind that ripples the surface or the slicing of a boat hull through the water, our eyes translate the light wavelengths into glow-in-the-dark sparkles and zigzags of green or blue-green.

2. Puerto Rico Has Three Bioluminescent Bays

The planet currently has five ecosystems where dinoflagellate concentrations are high enough to consistently cause this bioluminescent phenomenon. Puerto Rico claims three of them where Bio Bay tours are organized.

In Fajardo, along the east coast of the main island , Laguna Grande is the most trafficked of the trio. It’s not as bright as the others, but at only an hour by car from San Juan , it’s the easiest to get to. This also makes it the most touristy of the bunch.

A few of the better-known Laguna Grande tour operators include:

• Eco Adventures
• Kayaking Puerto Rico
• Yokahú Kayak Trips
• Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours

In Lajas, on the opposite corner of the main island, La Parguera is the least visited of the three bays. At about 2.5 hours from San Juan, it’s a much longer drive than Laguna Grande, but a worthwhile stop if you’re visiting the western side of Puerto Rico.

Some Bio Bay tours allow swimming in La Parguera. Because chemicals in bug repellents, sunscreens, and body lotions can kill the phytoplankton, you’ll need to shower before joining a tour that includes swimming or diving through the bio bay.

Try one of these La Parguera tour operators:

• Parguera Eco Tours
• Bio Bay Tours
• Kayaking Parguera
• Alelí Tours

The granddaddy of all bioluminescent bays, and the brightest in the world, is Mosquito Bay in Vieques. Although Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, Mosquito Bay’s dinoflagellate population has, miraculously, doubled since then. On a dark night, you’re almost guaranteed to see something spectacular.   

Tour operators on Vieques include:

• Abe’s Snorkeling
• Black Beard Sports
• Vieques Kayaks Bio Bay
• Jak Water Sports

3. Booking A Tour Can Lead To Unexpected Expenses

You can rent a car and drive to Laguna Grande or La Parguera. Mosquito Bay isn’t connected to the main island, so you’ll need to take a ferry (about $40 per person) or small plane (about $120 per person) from Ceiba, or fly directly from San Juan (about $130 per person), to get there. Depending on the time of year, ferry and flight service may or may not be available after 7 p.m. Residents of Laguna Grande are given preference on the ferry, which means you could get bumped from an especially full voyage.

In addition, many bio bay kayaking tour operators require an address where you’ll be staying on the island in order to complete booking. Since cars aren’t allowed on the ferry to Vieques, you must rent a car or line up a taxi ride once on the island.

The short story: It’s best to plan an overnight stay on the island.

Between our flights, taxi, accommodations in the least expensive Airbnb we could find, and the tour itself, my husband and I spent about $450 on this portion of our kayak trip. Allow for more costs if you plan a day trip to El Yunque National Forest – the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

We chose Abe’s Snorkeling for our excursion. The sea life kayaking experience was very good overall, although the tour operator, like an airline, oversold their 7 p.m. tour. About a dozen of us were bumped, with no notice, to the 9 p.m. slot. For our trouble, our guide offered each pairing of people a refund on one ticket.

4. Almost Anyone Can Do It

Bio bay kayaking is appropriate for most levels of ability. The water is usually calm, and paddling is done at a laid-back pace, mostly in two-person boats. Because you’re kayaking in the dark, it’s important to follow your tour guide and his instructions and stick close to your tour group. This could be tricky for travelers with vision or hearing impairments. If you’ve got grandkids in tow, ask about age restrictions.

5. Know Your Moon Cycles, And Book In Advance

You might be able to book a tour on the fly, but I wouldn’t risk it. Most fill up several months in advance, especially during the high season.

Although Puerto Rico’s bays luminesce year round, you’ll have the best experience on a dark night. Kayaking during a new moon is preferable because the glow percentage is usually higher. Using a moon phases calendar will help you chart out the best time to go.

Most operators don’t even run tours 3 days before or after a full moon. We didn’t realize this when we booked our Puerto Rican vacation. Fortunately, the final night was just beyond the full-moon window.  

The day before or the morning of your excursion, call your tour operator to check on the bay’s brightness; it should be a minimum of 30 percent. In addition to the moon, tides and water temperature affect how much color you see.

6. Ask About Clear-Bottomed Boats

Some tour companies offer clear-bottomed boats, which allow for a unique look at the bioluminescence directly underneath you. This isn’t the default option, so be sure to ask if it’s important to you.

7. Dress To Get Wet

Wear comfortable clothing, such as shorts and a T-shirt, preferably made of tech or quick-drying fabrics; some splashing is normal during any kayaking outing. Pants and shorts with zipper pockets are useful for storing a credit card, in case you want to stop at a restaurant or bar on the way back to your hotel or Airbnb (no need to take a full wallet or cash). Sturdy walking sandals, knit sneakers, or aqua shoes are all good choices for footwear.

Don’t count on being able to stash extra clothing or shoes with the tour operator; take only what you need.

8. Skip The Sunscreens And Skin Lotions

Wash your hands and feet before the trip, and don’t apply any moisturizer, serums, or lotions. You’ll be allowed to dip toes and fingers in the water, but chemicals from common skin products can kill the dinoflagellates.

9. It’s Okay To Take Your Phone

Your bio bay tour guide will tell you to leave your cell phone behind, ostensibly because its camera won’t be able to capture the glow. This may be true, or it may be an effort to reduce the sharing of images, which might, in turn, lead to a reduction in tour purchases. I regretted listening to this advice. I think I could have used my cell phone camera in manual mode and gotten sufficiently long exposures to get quality and free photos of some of the luminescence.

Bottom line: There’s no harm in taking your phone, as long as you seal it in a floating dry bag, and wear it on a lanyard around your neck. Just be aware that if you accidentally overturn your kayak, you might have trouble retrieving the phone in the dark. And don’t spend all your time taking pictures. The best part of the experience is staying in the moment and enjoying the display.

10. Be Prepared For A Wild Ride

The drive out to the bio bay is a bit like riding a roller coaster without a seat belt. Our bus driver clearly had been making this drive for years, and he knew every pothole and curve in the road — and took most of them at a robust clip. In the dark. I had to pry my fingers out of the seat upholstery after he swerved through small herds of the island’s free-roaming horses. Fortunately, he didn’t hit any.

Pro Tip: About those Viequense horses: They’re not wild, even if tourism brochures and resorts market them as such. All are owned by residents and are set free to browse the island’s grasses when not being used as transportation. Sadly, these beautiful animals are frequently killed in road accidents. If you rent a car, drive slowly and cautiously.

11. Keep Your Expectations In Check

Nature is fickle, and an evening of 100 percent glow might be followed by one of less than 30 percent. To make matters worse, all promotional images of Bio Bay tours are Photoshopped. While it is a breathtaking sight, you will not be engulfed in a happy blue halo, nor will the water light up on its own. What you’ll see is more akin to an underwater shower of glitter every time you or your tour mates dip an oar or hand into the bay.  

12. Bio Bay Tour Without Kayaks

Is there another means of transportation to get to the bay? Yes, there is now an eco-friendly way to visit Laguna Grande without having to kayak. Bio Island is a company that offers an electric motorboat tour that is both fun and safe for the environment.

They use a really quiet electric motor approved by the DRNA. A low-emission gas motor is used until the boat gets into the channel and then they switch to electric. Being a small Carolina Skiff, the boat has a very low profile, not much deeper than the kayak bottoms.

13. Bio Bay Is Virtually Impossible to Photograph

This is because the illumination is not originating from the water itself, but rather the dinoflagellates in the water. The images that you see online are captured using long exposure techniques, and don’t look anything like the real thing. 

However, the elusive nature of capturing the Bio Bay on film doesn’t mean that it is at all subtle. If you go out when the bay is particularly active you’ll never experience anything so stunningly surreal and beautiful. You should only hope that someday you’ll be lucky enough to see it again.

Is Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Trip Worth The Extra Trouble And Expense?

That’s a big yes. Although I can’t speak for Laguna Grande or La Parguera, kayaking Mosquito Bay was as close to magical as an outdoor experience can get. The bay is wide open and hushed, and even with other groups of kayakers out on the water, it felt like we were the only ones. Paddling was relaxed over the hour and a half we spent out on the water. Even the inexperienced kayakers had a great time.

Because I’d read up in advance and scaled my expectations, I wasn’t disappointed. The bioluminescent glow was actually more pronounced than I figured it would be, with miniature fireworks going off each time a boat pushed through the water. It wasn’t the neon blue radiance shown on tour websites, but it still felt otherworldly, like holding a galaxy of tiny stars in my palms. Aside of Puerto Rico, you can also see bioluminescent water on the Southern California coas t.

When Is the Best Time for a Kayak Trip in Bio Bay in Puerto Rico?

Generally, the best time for a kayak trip is around the new moon when there is less moonlight in the sky to interfere with the glow. Many factors affect how visible the bioluminescence is on any given night, including cloud cover which may help to block the moon and its light.

Why Is the Bio Bay Closed for Three Days Each Month During the Full Moon?

The Department of Natural Resources in Puerto Rico does not allow any tours during those days every month so that Bio Bay can get some  “rest” from human interaction.

Can I Go to See the Bio Bay in Puerto Rico on My Own?

No. Bio Bay is only open to tour companies with DRNA permits, not individuals. It is safest to go with a reputable and insured tour company with a tour guide who will explain the biology of the fragile ecosystem there for you.

Can Small Children Go On Bio Bay Tours in Puerto Rico?

Yes, tour companies take infants and young children on their Bio Bay tours. Infant and child life vests are available and the kids will be seated in a parent’s lap in the kayak. Inexperienced kayakers are advised not to kayak with kids.

What Should I Bring for My Bio Bay, Puerto Rico Tour?

You should bring a towel, natural DEET-free bug spray, and some kind of water shoes. For our day tours, you should also bring sunscreen and protective clothing like rash guards and hats if you like.

A specialist in coastal travel, the northeast U.S., and Spain, Robin is a travel journalist and the writer behind the travel blog Once More to the Shore . Her work has appeared in National Geographic , Travel + Leisure , TIME , Smithsonian , Conde Nast Traveler , AFAR , Hemispheres , and a range of other publications, both national and regional.

A New Englander by birth now living in the Hudson Valley, Robin understands the call of the sea, and the allure of rock-strewn beaches and shrouded forests. She also knows that a Maine-style lobster roll — the one true lobster roll — is best paired with a crisp hard cider, and that nothing beats a Rhode Island clam cake.

An honorary Spaniard by marriage, Robin visits Spain at least once a year, and has never met a town or tapa she didn’t like. When she’s not writing about travel, she can usually be found exploring regional lakes in her inflatable kayak, hiking the Taconics, or attempting to snap the perfect photo of the wildlife around her home.

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How to Visit Mosquito Bay: The Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

Julia April 19, 2023 Puerto Rico , United States Leave a Comment

Learn the ins and outs of visiting one of the most popular bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island.

If you’re planning a visit to Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, you’re in for a treat. It’s located on the island of Vieques, which is absolutely beautiful and mostly untouched. It’s also home to the brightest bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay, which is the main draw for tourists making the trek from the mainland to this outer lying island.

In this post, you’ll learn all about Mosquito Bay and what makes bioluminescent bays glow as well as how to visit bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, and how to get to Vieques Island from mainland Puerto Rico. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

What Makes Mosquito Bay Special

Located on the island of Vieques, just off of mainland Puerto Rico, is the most popular bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay – also known as Bahia Bioluminiscente. This amazing body of water is actually world renown as being the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.

Besides being the brightest bio bay in Puerto Rico, it’s also one of the least crowded due to its remote location on the small island of Vieques. Trust me, you’ll want to head over to Vieques to see this natural wonder with its glowing water!

What Makes Bio Bays Glow?

Believe it or not, the sparkling water is actually caused by a single-celled microorganism that glows by converting their internal chemical energy into light anytime they are disturbed. The light they display is actually considered a defense mechanism. These fascinating organisms are called dinoflagellates – or more specifically pyrodimium bahamense or affectionately known as “swirling fire”.

The reason that Mosquito Bay is the brightest bio bay in the world is because it has billions of them in the water. In fact, there’s roughly 700,000 dinoflagellates per gallon of water. This dense population is partially due to the curve of the bay’s opening and the surrounding mangroves which they call home.

Other Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico

While Mosquito Bay is the brightest of the Puerto Rico bio bays, it is just one of three. The other two prominent bays with glowing water in Puerto Rico are:

• La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay in Lajas, PR: Visit La Parguera with a boat tour from Lajas to swim in its bioluminescent water or opt for a full day trip from San Juan .
• Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo, PR: Check out this awesome bio bay kayak tour to Laguna Grande that leaves out of Fajardo or this Laguna Grande bio bay tour that leaves from San Juan.

How to See Mosquito Bay Glow

The brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, is worth a visit, but it does take some planning. Let’s take a look at the best time to see the water’s bright luminescence and how to plan your trip accordingly.

Best Time to See Bioluminescent Waters in Vieques

For the best visibility of the glowing waters of a bio bay, you’ll want to try and catch it on a new moon . This is when the water will glow brightest due to how dark the night sky will be. In fact, some tours don’t even run during full moons due to the difficulty of seeing the water glow against the brightness of the night sky.

For best viewing, plan to visit during the week of the new moon – just a few days on either side will really give you a treat!

Also, remember that you’ll have to plan your visit for after dark – the darker the better. This means you’ll have to spend the night in Vieques . There are no boats or flights late enough to come to Vieques as a day trip, see the bioluminescence, and return to the mainland the same day.

Where to Stay Overnight in Vieques

Fortunately, there are plenty of awesome hotels on Vieques to accommodate your overnight stay so that you can visit Puerto Rico Mosquito Bay. This will also give you time to explore the island during the day, which means enjoying the beaches and the slightly quieter way of life it offers.

The most popular area to stay on Vieques is La Esperanza. Here are the best Vieques hotels for all budgets:

• Best budget hotels in Vieques: Isla Hermosa Guesthouse | Lazy Guesthouse | Vieques Good Vibe Guesthouse
• Best mid-range hotels in Vieques: Villa Coral Guesthouse | The Vieques Guesthouse | Esperanza Inn Guesthouse
• Best luxury hotels in Vieques: Blue Horizon Boutique Resort | Finca Victoria | El Blok

Pro Tip: Make sure to also book a gulf cart or jeep in advance to get around the island! They too can sell out due to the limited supply and popularity of Vieques Island.

Best Bioluminescent Bay Tours in Vieques

Considering how popular the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico are, there aren’t a lot of tours running. Make sure to secure your spot in advance! My recommendation is to try and book a kayaking one as you’ll be able to have fun with the water from your kayak and with your paddle.

Check out these popular bio bay tours:

• Bioluminescent Bay Vieques Kayak Tour: Enjoy transportation from the Bio Bay entrance, a guide, and clear or semi-clear bottomed kayaks as you tour Mosquito Bay and experience its bioluminescence.
• Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: Choose between an early or late evening tour of Vieques BioBay. All equipment and transportation from the meeting point in Vieques is provided, along with a knowledgeable guide who will help explain the bioluminescence.
• Vieques Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour: Relax on this boat tour of Mosquito Bay where you’ll meet in town and head via air-conditioned vehicle to a 24-foot electric catamaran.

Tips for Visiting Mosquito Bio Bay

Visiting Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays is an incredible experience, but there are a few things you need to know before you go so you can make the most of it.

• Visit during a new moon: As mentioned above, the best way to see the Mosquito Bay bioluminescence is to go when it is the darkest out. This means planning your trip over the new moon or within a few days on either side of it.
• Watch the weather : If the weather is not ideal, such as potential storms, tours to Mosquito Bay will be cancelled (and refunded). If you want the highest probability of seeing the bio bays in Puerto Rico, plan to spend more than one night in Vieques, or leave yourself the option of visiting one of the other PR bio bays from the mainland.
• Leave your electronics behind : Trying to capture the glow on your phone or camera will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible. If you want to try and capture it, you’ll need to come well prepared with special equipment. My recommendation? Just enjoy being in the moment and leave your camera safely at home.
• Keep your belongings dry: If you decide to take your phone or camera equipment, put it in a waterproof dry bag . This will help you keep track of all of your belongings as well as protecting them from the water onboard your kayak or boat.
• Book a tour: While technically you could try to visit Mosquito Bay on your own, the roads are dark to reach the bay and for the best viewing you’ll want to get out on the water. For this reason, I highly recommend booking a tour. They are reasonably affordable and it’s absolutely incredible to see the water glowing in the bays!
• No swimming allowed: To help with conservation efforts, you will not be able to swim in Mosquito Bay Puerto Rico. In fact, La Parguera is the only Puerto Rican bioluminescent bay that you can swim in. Because of this, La Parguera is also the least bright of the three bio bays in Puerto Rico as swimming can disrupt the fragile ecosystem dinoflagellates live in.
• Don’t wear DEET, sun screen, or hand lotion: While Vieque’s Mosquito Bay is named that for a reason, mosquito repellant with DEET can kill the bioluminescent organisms. They are very sensitive to foreign chemicals. If you must wear it, please keep your hands out of the water!

How to Get to Vieques from San Juan

In order to visit Mosquito Bay on Vieques, you’ll have to travel from mainland Puerto Rico to Vieques Island. This can be done a number of ways, taking as little as 10 minutes or just $2 one way. So if you’re short on time or money, you can still make it to Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay, you’ll just have to plan ahead.

Fly from San Juan to Vieques

One of the most convenient ways to get to Vieques from San Juan is to jump a short 25 minute flight from San Juan International Airport (SJU) or Isla Grande Airport (SIG) in San Juan to Vieques Airport (VQS).

These flights run multiple times per day and if booked in advance can run as low as $100 round trip. Check Vieques Airlink ,  Air Flamenco , Cape Air , and Seaborne Airlines in addition to your typical flight aggregators. They don’t all show up in the broad searches and you could save hundreds of dollars by flying one of these smaller specialized airlines.

Fly from Ceiba to Vieques

The fastest way to get to Vieques is to fly from Ceiba Airport (RVR) to Vieques Airport. The flight will only take about 10 minutes. Again, you’ll want to check out Check Vieques Airlink and Air Flamenco to find the best deals. Flights start around $90 roundtrip.

The downside of flying out of Ceiba is that you will have to get to Ceiba from San Juan. This means either renting a car in Puerto Rico and driving yourself the hour over to Ceiba or springing for a $100 each way taxi ride – ouch!

Take the Ferry from Ceiba to Vieques

The cheapest way to get to Vieques from Puerto Rico is to take the ferry from Ceiba to Vieques . It generally takes 30 minutes by ferry, but it can take 45 minutes if it’s a cargo ferry. There are multiple journeys per day, but tickets can be difficult to secure as they are limited and do sell out.

The best way to ensure you can take the ferry to Vieques is to book online in advance. Tickets only cost $2 each way for adults, and the online system will show you have many tickets are available on each ferry both online and at the box office.

If you can’t get a ferry ticket online, you can try the box office in Ceiba for last minute slots or a flight may be a better option. Again, the downside of the ferry is that you will have to travel from San Juan to Ceiba on your own via car rental or taxi.

Explore More of Puerto Rico

Visiting Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico is a bucket list item for travelers due to it being the brightest bio bay in the world. Make sure to add it to your Puerto Rico itinerary with an overnight trip to Vieques to accommodate the visit to Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay.

Continue planning your Puerto Rico trip with these helpful resources:

• Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Best Hotels & Areas
• 10 Top Things to Do in San Juan for the Trip of a Lifetime
• 16 Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Puerto Rico
• How to Get to Culebra, Puerto Rico: 4 Key Transportation Options
• 10 Best Things to Do in Culebra, Puerto Rico
• Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico: Everything to Know Before You Go

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Biobay Tour

Quick Details

• Info Important Note: Guests must stay overnight in Vieques to see the biobay

Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours

Users Ages: All ages welcome!

Key Hole Recommended Experience Level: All levels

Clock Start Time:  6:00 pm AST | 7:00 pm AST | 8:00 pm AST | 9:00 pm AST

Clock Meeting time: 10 minutes prior to start time.

We meet across from Rainbow Realty (278 Calle Flamboyan, near the Green Store)

Explore the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay

The biobay in Vieques is the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!

Discover the beauty and science of bioluminescence as you paddle through the bay and learn about the life of Pyrodinium Bahamense, the single-celled organism responsible for this incredible glow.

We meet in Esperanza across from Rainbow Realty. Here’s a map with our meeting location for your reference:

We then drive you to the bay and provide you with kayak, paddle, vest, and instruction. After a short paddle, we give you a very informative session explaining the bioluminescent bay’s unique ecology and the science behind the bright glow.

When the night is dark, and the stars are out, it is time to see the magic! Watch falling stars and witness Vieques’ bioluminescent bay shine like an aqua blue glowing cloud in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The biobay must be seen to be believed!

• Come enjoy a kayak tour of the beautiful bioluminescent bay
• We provide kayaks, paddles, and life vests
• Total weight limit per kayak is 450 pounds
• Minimum age to participate: one

If we can’t accommodate you online, feel free to reach out to our main office. We may still be able to place you on a tour.

Important Note

In compliance with DRNA regulations, there are no tours of the biobay in Vieques the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, and the day after the full moon each month.

Please click below to help plan your biobay tour dates.

Related Tours

• Featured tour!
• Key Hole Intermediate/Advanced
• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Tres Palmitas Snorkeling Tour

Take a paddle around a mangrove forest, kayak to a completely remote beach and snorkel from the shore, then head into the Caribbean Sea and paddle near sea caves on this four-hour elite journey.

13 Best Tours & Excursions In Vieques, Puerto Rico (2024)

• Tours & Excursions

Vieques is an island located 6-miles off the east-coast of Puerto Rico’s main island.

Vieques is home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay, and is known for its pristine beaches and wild horses.

After visiting Vieques many times with a local, I can tell you that there is no shortage of exciting tours to take on your trip.

In this article, I will cover the 13 best tours and excursions in Vieques, Puerto Rico:

1. Bioluminescent bay tour

Vieques has the brightest bio bay in the world, Mosquito Bay .

You can kayak through this bay at night and experience glowing water. 

This is a once in a life time experience, and should not be missed. 

It is difficult to capture this experience with a camera as you need special long exposure settings. Even with the right settings the images captured don’t do it justice. 

Every stroke of your paddle will cause single-celled plankton called dinoflagellates to emit blue light. 

Many tours utilize glass-bottom kayaks to enhance the experience. 

Below is a video showing Mosquito Bio Bay in Vieques:

To learn more, read our article about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays .

2. Horseback riding tours

Horseback riding tours provide a view of Vieques like no other.

Explore the paths and trails of undisturbed tropical forests and secluded beaches that are not accessible with other forms of transportation.  

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Jurutungo Farm, Vieques (@jurutungofarm)

Photo Credit: @jurutungofarm

Enjoy a graceful ride across the sand on the backs of well-trained Paso Fino horses.

These horses are known for their naturally smooth gait. They are often adopted, well cared for, and loved by their owners. Your patronage helps support their rescue with some companies.

Tours can accommodate any experience level. Helmets are provided.

Below is a video showing horseback riding on the beach:

Visit Jurutungo Farm to book your tour.

Read our article about the famous Black Sand Beach , where most horseback riding tours take you.

3. Beach hopping tours

Vieques has 50 square miles of public beaches each with its own personality. 

Many of these beaches are a part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

Vieques beaches are usually pretty much empty even on the busiest days. 

These beaches are truly gorgeous and offer the rare opportunity to have an entire beach to yourself.

Beach hopping tours that are available to experience several unique beaches covered in everything from white sands, gold sands, magnetic black sand , and even beaches covered in sea glass.

Check out Vieques beaches in the following video:

To book your beach hopping tour, contact Vieques Concierge .

Learn more in our article 17 Best Beaches In Vieques .

4. Snorkeling tour

Vieques is home to some of the best spots to snorkel.

Swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, dolphins, and amazing coral beds.

There are several tours run by knowledgeable local staff that will guide you on a journey to dip below the surface and see the unspoiled reefs. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Vieques, Puerto Rico (@saltyspiritofficial)

Video Credit: @saltyspiritofficial

Experienced guides are able to assure safety and are able to adjust tours for specific weather conditions to cultivate unforgettable interactions with the various species of marine life. 

Some companies offer snorkeling tours that offer transportation, refreshments, sanitized snorkel gear and digital photos all included in the price.

Check out a snorkeling tour in the following video:

YouTube video credit: @crystalclearvieques

You can book your private snorkeling tour with Salty Spirit .

Learn more in our article 8 Best Snorkel Spots In Vieques .

5. Scuba diving tours

Another charm of Vieques is its crystal clear warm water with temperatures that range from 74 to 80 degrees year-round.

These are perfect conditions for SCUBA diving.

Some diving sites have clear visibility down to 100 ft. Here, you can easily interact with turtles, dolphins, and manatees and enjoy the view of colorful coral. 

There are different diving spots around the island — Mosquito Pier, Cayo Afuera, and Corona Reef.  Some companies even offer night diving with UV light.

Tours offer exclusive opportunities to visit remote areas of the waters and shipwrecks to see creatures you wouldn’t find on your own.

Below is a video showing scuba diving in Vieques:

Visit Black Beard Sports to book your dive.

Check out our article 30 Best Scuba Diving Sites In Puerto Rico for more information.

6. Sailboat tours

One of the best ways to see Vieques is from the water.

Many private tour companies take pride in offering their personal touch of hospitality. 

Several tours provide complimentary beverages, a lite fare, or even home-cooked meals while onboard often prepared fresh from locally sourced food.

Knowledgeable and engaging crews offer shared stories that intimately connect you with the ecology and local history of Vieques. 

Chartered sailing offers opportunities to explore many off-grid locations for open-water snorkeling and enjoy exclusive access to marine life that has not been disturbed by large crowds. 

Whether you are a snorkeling enthusiast or simply want to enjoy a relaxing ride across Caribbean waters in the company of friends, chartering a sailboat is a satisfying way to spend the day in Vieques.

Visit Vieques Sailing to book your trip.

7. Hiking tours

60% of Vieques is covered by the Vieques Wildlife Refuge.

At 17,771 acres, it is the largest wildlife refuge in the Caribbean.

The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2000 to preserve the environment for the public to safely enjoy wildlife. 

Various hiking tours offer an opportunity to see some of the island’s migratory birds, 4 endangered plants, and 10 endangered animal species, as well as protected historical and archaeological resource sites. 

The refuge also features a view from the Puerto Ferro lighthouse ruins that offer fantastic views of Mosquito Bay, and the southern cays. 

Book a tour with Black Beard Sports .

8. Fishing tours

If you are not one to dine out, you can catch your dinner deep sea fishing.

There are many fishing tours in Vieques and if you are a fishing enthusiast, you are in for a treat.

Explore the hidden coves around Vieques and be transported to remote ocean areas where you can catch Mahi Mahi, wahoo, African pompano, and barracuda.

All equipment is provided on most tours, including coolers and licenses. You must bring your own drinks and snacks.

Below is a video of fishing in Vieques:

To book a tour, contact Vieques Sport Fishing .

9. Sugar Mill Ruins tour

A guided tour of The Sugar Mill Ruins is a sweet treat for history lovers.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Green Orchid (@gr.ee.n_orchid)

Photo Credit: @greenorchid

Passionate and knowledgeable guides point out clues to spark your imagination taking you back through the culture and history of this 19th-century sugar mill now covered in green foliage. 

Vieques had a strong sugar cane economy prior to the 1940s. It is not easy to find this landmark as there are no well-defined roads or trails and the markers are hard to notice. 

The Sugar Mill Ruins tour is a true hands-on history lesson.

Learn more about the Sugar Mill Ruins in the following video:

Get more information about this tour by contacting the Vieques Historical Trust .

10. Abandoned military bunkers 

Camouflaged to appear like rolling hills, the now abandoned area is where the military stored their ammunition during their 60-year operation in Vieques.

Located about 4 miles past Mosquito Pier along Route 200, there is an unmarked road that can prove difficult to find. This is where the bunkers are, and it is located in the same wooded area as the Sugar Mill Ruins.

Following the Peace for Vieques protests in 2003, the military shut down its bases on the island and left behind many artifacts.

Visitors can explore open abandoned bunkers, and perhaps stumble upon the illusive Bunker 412. 

At Bunker 412, you can see a collaborative art installation entitled “Reclaiming Vieques: Memory and Imagination.”

Photos taken in the 1940’s cover the doors of the bunker and depict Viequenses being evicted from their homes. 

Years after the military left, the bunkers were transformed into a disco that played salsa and bachata, attracting visitors to dance in the middle of nowhere.

This club is no longer in existence but is an interesting part of the area’s history.

Below is a video showing the bunkers:

For more information about touring, visit the Vieques Historical Trust on the boardwalk in Esperanza.

11. Food tour 

There is no shortage of yummy things to eat on Vieques . 

Esperanza has plenty of creative food trucks and eateries to try. The Malecón is perfect for enjoying lunch by the sea.

A 3-hour food tour may very well fill your belly with 4-7 culinary stops along the way. 

A food tour can create an opportunity to indulge in a variety of Puerto Rican food guided by a local, like mofongo, tostones, empanadas, and arepas. 

Try Bili, the official drink of Vieques, made with quenepas and rum. The drink is traditionally buried underground until it is ready to drink.

Nourish yourself with the catch of the day like whole lobster and scallops, conch, or yellow tail just to name a few. 

To book this tour, visit Vieques Concierge .

12. Crab Island Distillery tour

Vieques has its own distillery called Crab Island Rum Distillery. 

Crab Island is the first and only handcrafted distillery in Vieques .

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Crab Island Rum (@crabislandrum)

Photo Credit: @crabislandrum

With knowledgeable staff, you can learn about the distilling process, taste different rums like coffee or orange infusions, and even purchase rum to take home as a souvenir. 

The venue is a relaxed family farm-like atmosphere with pigs, chickens, and cute and friendly family pups roaming about. 

There is a shaded picnic table and a food truck to complement the rum drinks available.

For more information, visit the Crab Island Rum website.

13. Ceiba Tree tour

Visit the oldest Ceiba tree in the eastern region of Puerto Rico.

This enormous tree is said to be over 500 years old. 

In the religion of the Indigenous people of Puerto Rico (Taino), the Ceiba tree is the daughter of the Goddess YaYa. 

Tours visiting the Ceiba Tree are generally part of a package that includes other historical landmarks in Vieques like the fort in Isabela II and the island’s lighthouses. 

When it rains, water pools in around the various limbs and roots to quench the thirst of various local creatures like tiny crabs and Paso Fino horses roaming about. 

This iconic tree is a meeting place for various tours on the island. 

Book your tour with Vieques Concierge .

FAQ section

What is the best tour in vieques.

The Mosquito Bay Bioluminescent Bay tour is the best tour on Vieques.

Can cruise ship passengers visit Vieques? 

No. There is a boat docking area in Isabel Segunda, but you can only arrive here by public ferry or private boat.

Final thoughts

Vieques is a small tropical island located off the east-coast of Puerto Rico’s main island. 

It has so much to offer, and should not be missed.

The best tour in Vieques is the bioluminescent night kayak tour. To learn more about how you can experience this excursion, read our guide about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays .

Also, check out our article that explains how to get to Vieques from San Juan . 

Tree Alexander

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I have collected countless memories from traveling in Puerto Rico. I share my knowledge of Puerto Rico in my articles. When I’m not writing, I can be found traveling with my toy poodle and homeschooling my children.

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(787) 644-7112

Hours of Operation Monday — Sunday, 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 p.m.

Biobay Tour

«Bienvenidos» to a unique and rare Bioluminescent Experience, an adventure not to be missed while on Vieques Island! Join this fully guided night trip into one of the most amazing natural phenomena of the world with our tandem  CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAK ! This pristine ecosystem teems with astonishing marine life, inhabiting a secluded bay protected by mangrove forests. You will meet our glowing friends, the Pyrodinium Bahamense, a microscopic plankton capable of producing natural light at the touch of your hand!

Once-in-a-Lifetime Bioluminescent Experience!

At the prescribed time, we meet  on the dirt parking lot close to the fisherman dock in Esperanza on road 996  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Amf77vT9JNxa91gAA .  Your Eco interpretive guides call the group of kayakers together for a briefing session covering basic kayak handling, rules of the road and the importance of keeping to a minimum any disturbance of the pristine environment of the bioluminescent bay.

Explore these amazing organisms up close in our smaller group excursions led by knowledgeable interpretive guides. Learn how this fragile and unique ecosystem maintains a perfect balance of life, and what we all can do to protect and preserve such a special place on planet earth!

Our 2-hour and 15 minutes approximately guided bio bay  CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAK  excursion (including check in-time) includes interesting interpretations about the reserve fragile ecological system, star constellations, and a fascinating encounter with millions of bioluminescent organisms. As you glide along in your kayak, experiencing this unusual nighttime phenomenon and seeing how fish light up their path like shooting stars in the water, you might get the feeling that the dark Caribbean sky is getting jealous of the glowing water below as it tries to catch up with shooting stars and impressive constellations!

JAK Water Sports, beyond doubt, can provide you with the best interpretative kayak trip in the Puerto Mosquito bioluminescent bay. Go -«ECO»- explore, conserve, observe with JAK Water Sports and learn with our professional staff about the unique ecosystems, splendid constellations and glowing waters! The adventure to Puerto Mosquito can only be described as magical, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Let your Adventure Begin!

Reservations

For reservation, please Call us at (787) 644-7112 to check on availability and trip times, we love to talk directly with the clients.  We don’t do booking thru TripAdvisor, VIATOR or Third- Party Site.

Please be prepared with the following information:

• Number of people in your group, email address 
•   Please keep in mind that you need to stay overnight in Vieques if you plan to see our Bioluminescent Bay. 
• We accept Visa, MasterCard or Discover Note: Valid credit card info required to make reservations and to guarantee the reservation and spaces.    SPACES WILL NOT BE RESERVE WITHOUT CREDIT CARD. 
• We will gladly send an email confirmation of your reservation with directions. If you plan to pay with a credit card, for our mutual security, the physical card must be presented at time of check-in.  See below for our policy and cancellations. 

Weather Conditions and Your Trip

The tour is not cancelled on rainy days; it is still safe and the water is still glowing under the rain. JAK Water Sports and Rental reserves the right to cancel or reroute any tour due to acts of nature or unforeseen circumstances that would hinder our ability to safely run a trip. If we are unable to provide you with another trip, any money paid will be fully refunded. We make all the determinations about weather cancellations however, so please don’t make the mistake of deciding you’re not going to come because you think the weather might not be acceptable, as you will be charged if the trip goes out. If you ever have a question about weather conditions, please call us prior to 10 AM on your day of trip to be sure.

Things to Know

• Check-in and meeting place: We meet on the dirt parking lot close to the fisherman dock in Esperanza on road 996   https://maps.app.goo.gl/SCtSEazKoju3xN6w9 .  
• Insect repellent, optional: Please select a Deet-free kind to minimize bay contamination.
• Suggested clothing: long sleeve top (the bay gets chilly on certain month of the year), shorts, flip-flops, Crocs, clothes that can get wet.
• Please leave large bags at your lodgings as there is not storage on the kayaks or the meeting place. 
• Please keep in mind that you need to stay overnight in  Vieques if  you plan to see our Biobay.  Vieques Island is a separate island from the main island of Puerto Rico.  You must take a ferry  www.puertoricoferry.com   or a plane to get here.  
• Our kayaks have a combined weight limit of 385 lbs.  If you need special accommodations, please inform us at the time of your booking so that we can provide them.
• First timer’s kayakers are welcome. Most of our clients are first time kayakers, so we provide you with a briefing about how to kayak prior the excursion  
•   In compliance with DRNA regulations, there are no tours of the biobay in Vieques the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, and the day after the full moon each month.  

Cancellation Policy

• Credit card number is to  be held  and to guarantee  the reservation  but is not charged in advance of the tour  and are only run if participants don’t comply with our cancellation policy:
• Reservations canceled after 10:00 AM, day of trip.
• Failure to show or missed departure time.
• Spaces reserved but not used by the party at the last minute are considered a last-minute cancellation and will be charged the regular rate and the full amount.
• To avoid cancellation fees, you must call before 10:00 AM of the day of your scheduled trip.
• For groups of 7 or more will  have 48 hrs. before the date of your tour to cancel to avoid cancelation fee.   If you don’t comply with the cancelation policy the credit card will be charged full price of the tour and will NOT receive a refund due to our limited spaces.   We charge all large groups 48 hrs. before the day of your tour.
• Reservations booked the day of the tour are non-refundable.
• It is the client’s responsibility to arrive to Vieques island on time for their reserved activities or Biobay tours. Travel delays to Vieques do not constitute a reason for refunds. 

Please keep in mind that this tour takes place in a natural environment and that the bioluminescent phenomenon, although rare, can be seen year-round. All natural ecosystems are dynamic and their conditions can vary. Puerto Mosquito is known as a bright and stable bioluminescent bay, but the intensity of the glow may fluctuate due natural changes beyond our control. The intensity of brightness is unpredictable and can vary. Most important – the glow is always there!  ENJOY THE SHOW!  

Safety and Physical Condition Restrictions

For safety and health reasons, those under the following conditions are not allowed to participate in kayaking excursions with JAK Water Sports.

• children under 4 years of age
• pregnant women 6 months or more
• those who have epilepsy, back problems, heart conditions, dizziness, recent surgery
• any other condition that may put life (yours, our guides, or other guests) at risk

Please help us make this a pleasant experience for all!

Water sports, especially those involving motorboats, offer a thrilling combination of speed and adrenaline.

BiOBAY TOUR

ADVENTURE TOURS

Call us today to make a reservation.

BIOBAY TOUR $50 (NO FEES)

Pay $10 now, and the rest of the balance in vieques..

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Hello! It looks like there are several companies that offer tours in the area. Looking for the best fit for a family of 5 (kids ages 14/ 12/8). I think a clear bottom kayak experience would be great. Thank you!

Hi there...we will be in Vieques on May 22 and have booked our Bio Bay trip with Taino Aqua Adventures.

They have fully transparent kayaks and not just clear bottom and is very comparable to Black Beard Sports. JAK is another provide but did not get a chance to talk to them.

Good luck with and make sure to book when there's little or no moon!

if there is a full moon would people recommend against the bio bay tours?

Depends what time the moon rises. Look at the moon calendar for your date and location to verify the time. I’ve been on the bay on a night with a full moon but moonrise was around 9:30 so we had plenty of time on the water before the moon rose to see the bioluminescence.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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